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A revitalization, though, is in the works, and it began Thursday with the opening of a Roses discount store in the once-blighted complex.

The North Carolina-based discount chain saw an opportunity to reach its target audience when it decided to open along Forestville Road near Pennsylvania Avenue.

"We fundamentally had faith in the community and faith in the strength in the marketplace here and began a redevelopment process," developer Mike Amann said.

Developers, businessmen and community leaders praised a new streamlined zoning and permitting process that was initiated by Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker, which allowed for the store to open in time for Christmas.